Home › Jeep › Liberty › 2012
2012 Jeep Liberty: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2012 Jeep Liberty has 385 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and 169 of them name the air bags[1][2]. It also has 2 recalls, both tied to the system that deploys the active headrests in a rear-end crash[3][4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 385 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 19 mention a crash, 14 a fire and 34 injuries[1]. None report a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.
- Air bags: 169 complaints, with 15 crashes and 20 injuries[2]. The median mileage at failure was 45,066[2]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe an air bag warning light that stays on or flashes. A few also say the dealer had no recall part available when they came in[2].
- Electrical system: 117 complaints, 2 crashes and 8 fires[8]. Median mileage was 56,899[8]. In our sample, several owners describe air bag light and head restraint recall issues filed here. A few describe smoke or fire from door panel or tail light wiring[8].
- Engine: 51 complaints and 7 fires[9]. Median mileage was 55,449[9]. Some owners in our sample describe stalling or a momentary loss of power[9].
- Power train: 34 complaints, 3 crashes and 5 injuries[10]. Median mileage was 56,000[10]. Owners in our sample describe the transmission hesitating, clunking or engaging late. Two describe the vehicle rolling while they believed it was in park[10].
Smaller groups include structure with 24 complaints[11], exterior lighting with 20[12] and seats with 16[13]. Another 31 complaints name an unknown or other component[14].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recalls that cover the 2012 Liberty[5]. Newest first[3][4]:
- Occupant restraint controller (17V640). Dated October 10, 2017[3]. A part inside the occupant restraint controller may fail and keep the active headrests from deploying in a rear-end crash. Front seat occupants would then face a higher risk of injury. Chrysler (FCA US) says dealers will replace the controller as necessary, free of charge[3].
- Restraint control module resistor (13V282). Announced July 2, 2013[4]. A resistor in the occupant restraint control module can be overstressed. That may stop the active head restraints from deploying in a rear impact and raise the risk of injury. This recall covers Liberty vehicles built June 17, 2011 through August 15, 2012[4]. Dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the control module, as needed, free of charge[4].
If you are looking at a used Liberty, ask for proof that both recalls were completed.
Fuel economy
The EPA lists a 3.7L 6-cylinder engine with a 4-speed automatic and regular fuel for both drive types[6][15].
The EPA annual cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives both the 2WD and 4WD versions 3 stars overall[7][16]. Frontal crash is 2 stars, side crash is 4 stars and rollover is 3 stars[7][16]. The rollover risk is 25.6% for 2WD[7] and 22.8% for 4WD[16].
Engine and size
These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. They are for the 4WD Sport/North Edition/Limit variant listed by Transport Canada[17].
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 177 in |
| Width | 72 in |
| Height | 71 in |
| Wheelbase | 106 in |
| Curb weight | 4,127 lb |
Source for all rows:[17].
How 2012 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1,808 | 8 |
| 2008 | 541 | 4 |
| 2009 | 108 | 0 |
| 2010 | 197 | 2 |
| 2011 | 181 | 3 |
| 2012 | 385 | 2 |
NHTSA lists these counts for each Liberty model year[5]:
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1,808 | 8 |
| 2008 | 541 | 4 |
| 2009 | 108 | 0 |
| 2010 | 197 | 2 |
| 2011 | 181 | 3 |
| 2012 | 385 | 2 |
Only 2002 and 2008 have more complaints than 2012. Recalls for 2012 match 2010 and are fewer than 2002, 2008 and 2011[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.
Should you buy a used 2012 Liberty?
The numbers show a model year with 169 air bag complaints out of 385, and two recalls on the restraint system[1][2][3][4].[2][3][4]. Both recalls come with a free dealer repair, so check that they were done before you buy[3][4]. Fuel economy is 17 to 18 MPG combined, with annual fuel costs of $3,700 to $3,950[6][15]. NHTSA rates it 3 stars overall[7][16]. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a checklist for a test drive and inspection rather than a verdict.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Liberty?
- Air bags have the most complaints at 169 of 385, followed by the electrical system at 117[1][2][8].
- Are there recalls on the 2012 Jeep Liberty?
- Yes, 2: 17V640 and 13V282[3][4]. Both involve active headrests that may not deploy in a rear-end crash[3][4].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2012 Jeep Liberty?
- The EPA rates 2WD at 18 MPG combined and 4WD at 17 MPG combined[6][15].
- How safe is the 2012 Jeep Liberty?
- NHTSA gives it 3 stars overall, 2 for frontal crash and 4 for side crash[7][16].
- Is 2012 a bad year for the Jeep Liberty?
- It has 385 complaints, the third most of six listed years, and 2 recalls[5]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 385 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Jeep Liberty (19 mention a crash, 14 a fire, 34 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 169 complaints name the air bags component group (15 crashes, 1 fires, 20 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,066). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 17V640, filed October 10, 2017: Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V282, filed July 2, 2013: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Liberty model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Liberty 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 3 stars, frontal 2 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 25.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 117 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 8 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,899). NHTSA vehicle records
- 51 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 7 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,449). NHTSA vehicle records
- 34 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 24 complaints name the structure component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,724). NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 31 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Liberty 4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 3 stars, frontal 2 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LIBERTY 4DR SUV 4WD SPORT/NORTH EDITION/LIMIT: length 177 in, width 72 in, height 71 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 4,127 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov